S. HANUMANTHA RAO vs S. RAMANI

The Supreme Court held that mental cruelty under Section 13(1)(ia) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 can be established through the conduct of the spouse that causes mental pain and suffering. The Court found that the respondent's actions, including throwing the Mangalsutra and lodging a complaint under Section 498A IPC, constituted mental cruelty, thereby justifying the husband's petition for divorce. The Court granted the decree of divorce in favor of the appellant, affirming the lower court's decision.